Settlement withGeneral Motors

JOHNSON MATTHEY PLC
23 August 1999


      Settlement of Commercial Dispute with General Motors
                          Corporation
                                
                                
General Motors Corporation, Johnson Matthey PLC and Johnson
Matthey Inc. have agreed to settle a long-standing commercial
dispute.

General Motors and Johnson Matthey asserted claims against each
other six years ago in a lawsuit pending in the U.S. District
Court in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  The dispute involved a
disagreement over the purchase and supply of automotive catalysts
under a supply agreement between the parties that expired in
1994.

As part of the settlement agreement reached in August 1999,
General Motors and Johnson Matthey have agreed to collaborate in
a significant research and development project in the field of
fuel cells for transportation applications.  Further, General
Motors  and Johnson Matthey have established a framework for
commercial relations in other areas, including automotive
catalysts.

Both parties have applied to the Federal Court in Milwaukee to
have their respective claims dismissed.


Enquiries:
John Sheldrick, Group Finance Director, Johnson Matthey    020 7269 8438
Howard Lee, Gavin Anderson & Co                            020 7457 2345